Search found 8 matches

by mckayprod
Fri Apr 21, 2023 2:58 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Matching transformer for random wire?
Replies: 7
Views: 5875

Re: Matching transformer for random wire?

Thanks for all the ideas. I thought that since this antenna was so common (Radio Shack has surely sold thousands, not to mention the Philmore branded versions) there might be a quick, well-known choice. I may try the tuner design in Andrew's first reply. Funny how well the End-fedz works without a c...
by mckayprod
Sun Apr 16, 2023 5:55 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Matching transformer for random wire?
Replies: 7
Views: 5875

Matching transformer for random wire?

I'm having good luck with my End-fedz SWL antenna but I want to experiment with a longer-wire version of that general approach. I have an old Radio Shack random wire SWL antenna and I want to feed the receivers with coax, so some kind of unun transformer seems correct. Is there a proper ratio that i...
by mckayprod
Fri Oct 21, 2022 2:50 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Best Region for SWL Hobby
Replies: 6
Views: 6891

Re: Best Region for SWL Hobby

I guess what I'm getting at is, the US west coast is a long way from most SW signals, compared to Europe, the mideast, or north Africa. Do most avid SW listeners live elsewhere? I'd love to take a trip to a "better" SW DX location.
by mckayprod
Tue Oct 18, 2022 3:07 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Best Region for SWL Hobby
Replies: 6
Views: 6891

Best Region for SWL Hobby

So, I have to admit being a little underwhelmed at the number of SW broadcasts I can copy at my location on the California coast. Are any areas of the globe considered better than most? I would assume Europe was good during the cold war heyday of SW, and now I guess Africa is heavily targeted by the...
by mckayprod
Tue Jun 28, 2022 3:44 pm
Forum: Questions & Advice
Topic: Favorite SWL programs
Replies: 7
Views: 9514

Re: Favorite SWL programs

I've been surprised at how much I like Radio Amazonia (Brazil). I don't understand Portuguese but there's usually some music and signal strength is often better than Radio Havana Cuba. Most recently heard Monday 0000 at 11780. Not much in English that I care for here on the west coast.
by mckayprod
Fri Jun 24, 2022 1:11 am
Forum: Questions & Advice
Topic: Vintage Shortwave Repair
Replies: 2
Views: 5158

Re: Vintage Shortwave Repair

I am NO expert on this radio, but the price quoted doesn't seem too out of line for a professional recap and alignment. Maybe if you specify a level of work (Just replace filter caps? Total recap? Check all resistors? Realignment?) you might find a reduced service that you can afford and still allow...
by mckayprod
Fri Jun 17, 2022 9:36 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Alex Jones staffer interview
Replies: 1
Views: 1917

Alex Jones staffer interview

If I remember correctly, Infowars is still available on one of the domestic U.S. shortwave outlets. I just listened to this WNYC Studios interview with one of his former staffers. My first exposure to Jones and his schtick was via shortwave in the 1990s. The signal was weak and noisy, but was at lea...
by mckayprod
Sat Jun 11, 2022 12:52 am
Forum: Utility Stations
Topic: What's your favorite utility to chase?
Replies: 10
Views: 10613

Re: What's your favorite utility to chase?

I would very much like to monitor the transmissions from the US Navy station at Dixon,California, formerly an AFRTS station (and maybe VOA?) that I think I listened to in the late 1970s. I have no ideas what their frequencies or tx modes might be, or what kind of traffic they might be working these ...